Holy War, Holy Peace

How Religion Can Bring Peace to the Middle East

Marc Gopin

War has been made holy by the families of Abraham, and the monotheistic religions of those families, for many centuries. But, argues Marc Gopin, ...

Holy War, Holy Peace

How Religion Can Bring Peace to the Middle East

Marc Gopin

Description

War has been made holy by the families of Abraham, and the monotheistic religions of those families, for many centuries. But, argues Marc Gopin, peacemaking was made holy too, through a variety of cultural and religious practices that have been virtually overlooked by scholars and activists alike. In fact, the tragic use of religion in perpetuating and inflaming the Palestinian/Israeli conflict represents only one understanding of the great Abrahamic traditions. New readings, with equally ancient roots, are now emerging, and their authors are gathering more courage to bring them before their respective communities. Marc Gopin here presents and examines these exciting new readings, and argues passionately for a far greater integration of Middle East peace processes with the religious communities of the region. The religious peoples, Jewish, Christian and Muslim, must become a part of new paradigms for coexistence between Israelies and Palestinians. And these new paradigms must include the unique ways in which monotheistic peoples develop social relations, heal old wounds, and transform enemies into allies. Drawing on his own personal experience with religious-based peace initiatives in Israel and Palestine, Gopin writes movingly of the individuals and groups that are already attempting such reconciliations. It is imperative, he says, that an alliance be forged between secular and religious methods of peacemaking. The combination of these methods, Gopin believes, will yield a rich and creative model for the reconciliation of ancient enmities among Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Holy War, Holy Peace

How Religion Can Bring Peace to the Middle East

Marc Gopin

Author Information

Marc Gopin, Senior Associate in the Preventive Diplomacy Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Adjunct Professor of International Diplomacy, Tufts University

Holy War, Holy Peace

How Religion Can Bring Peace to the Middle East

Marc Gopin

Reviews and Awards

"... many thoughtful insights in this work ... this book should be read not only by academics and theologians but also by decision-makers. In the face of today's reality, one should not ignore anything that might help." - Journal of Jewish Studies

"Gopin's passion for peacemaking has produced a gift to all who yearn for an end to the cycle of destructiveness in Israel and Palestine." - Theological Studies

"Marc Gopin's book communicates an extraordinary analysis of the Abrahamic traditions and values. His writing is both extensive and exhaustive. Moreover, Gopin's inventive integration of ancient religious values into a practical social-psychological diplomacy makes Holy War, Holy Peace a must-read for anyone interested in the ongoing crisis. This book is a breakthrough in the analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." - Journal of Church and State

"Gopin presents a culturally sensitive social-psychological diplomacy that caters to the deep religious values on both sides of the conflict." - Journal of Church and State

"... presents a detailed analysis of the religio-political dynamics fueling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers innovative, practical applications for achieving peace in the region." - Journal of Church and State